Abstract

Applications of ionic liquids in industry

Author(s): Natasha Ramroop Singh, James G.Speight

The potential uses for ionic liquids and supercritical fluids are increasingly piquing the interest of researchers and scientists. As the physical and chemical properties of these neoteric solvent systems become understood there is a willingness to explore the possibilities of their use within academic communities the world over. Critical assessment of future energy production must take into consideration viable alternatives in conjunction with cutting edge technology. Explorative approaches aimed at substituting conventional solvents by ionic liquids to circumvent practically relevant disadvantages, such as in the extraction and processing of heavy oil and tar sand should also be of interest. There have been a few notable investigations available in the literature, which looks at the use of ionic liquids in oil shale and kerogen processing, methanol production, cellulose dissolution and desulphurization of refinery streams. These findings will be assessed herein, with the goal of finding a way forward, with respect to cheap, “green” energy production in the years to come.